| Dear Friends, Most of the world views whitewater paddlers as somewhat of a different breed. In many cases they are right to view us as different. Anyone who would willingly get in a small boat and crash down a white frothy river must be a little crazy. Because of this perception, when American Whitewater started to actively participate in restoring dam-influenced rivers over two decades ago we were often made to sit at the back of the bus. Over time our persistence, passion, and knowledge of rivers has moved us to the front of the bus and even into the driver’s seat. Over the years we have restored over 1000 miles of river and emerged as a significant voice in national policy discussions focused on hydropower. While we credit the thousands of volunteer hours and your contributions that have made this work possible, we are seeking your support to ensure that paddlers never have to take a back seat again. Approximately 50 percent of our funding for work on hydropower issues comes from grants and corporate funding. The Hewlett Foundation, Conservation Alliance, and Keen Footwear have all stepped up in a big way for 2007. Their commitments provide us with the opportunity to make significant steps on several key national projects. To fully realize this opportunity we are now seeking your help in providing the additional 50 percent membership match to fully fund out hydropower work for the coming year. Your support is critical to help us keep the water flowing. We are a lean and efficient organization with 80 cents of every dollar going to directly support our river stewardship work. Several projects are at stake and we need your support now to give all of these projects the attention they deserve:
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Hydropower impacted rivers where we will be working in 2007 with your support.
Ausable, NY Bear, UT Butte Creek, CA Catawba River, NC/SC Chelan Gorge, WA Cheoah River, NC Clackamas River, OR Clark Fork River, MT Coosa River, AL Cuyahoga River, OH Klamath River, OR/CA Little River, VT McKenzie River, OR Mokelumne River, CA Nantahala River, NC North Fork Feather River, CA North Fork Rogue, OR Piru Creek, CA Pit River, CA San Joaquin River, CA Saranac River, NY South Fork American, CA South Fork Feather River, CA Spokane River, WA Sultan River, WA Tallulah Gorge, GA Tuckaseegee River, NC West Rosebud, MT Youghiogheny River, MD |
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| Cheoah In 2005 the Cheoah’s historically dry river bed wa provided with consistent flows for the first time in decades. Regular ecological pulse flows designed to restore overall river health now provide new paddling opportunities. These flows are being studied for a five year period. This year we conducted a survey on the whitewater boating opportunities the Cheoah provides. The study highlighted the paddling community’s desires for some higher flows, better access, and vegetation management. With your support we will be able to use the results of our survey to make sure your voice is represented in final decisions regarding the long-term plan for restored recreational opportunities on this river. |
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| Sultan In February 2006 boaters packed the public meeting and made the case for a study of whitewater recreation on the Sultan River. Federal regulators responded just a few weeks later stating, “Comments provided by representatives of American Whitewater during scoping indicate a strong interest in restoring boating opportunities to the 11-mile-long segment of the Sultan River.” They went on to support a formal study of whitewater recreation and the utility has positively responded. The success of this study and our continued involvement as an engaged stakeholder depends on your continued support. |
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| North Fork Rogue Over two dozen volunteers stepped up in a big way to secure opportunities for whitewater boating on a section of the North Fork Rogue that has been inaccessible for decades. A new analysis from federal regulators recommends restored flows and most importantly public access. While they were originally not going to provide access, comments and documentation we provided resulted in a new favorable analysis: “After reviewing additional information provided by American Whitewater”¦ we find that most of the public safety concerns noted by us”¦ could be addressed with further planning and implementation”¦ We are therefore recommending that PacifiCorp develop and implement a Whitewater Boating Access Monitoring Plan.” Hard work remains, to ensure that this access plan is implemented. |
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| Ausable After 5 years of studies and legal wrangling, a dubious New York dam owner is back up to their old tricks. With a corporate policy against river access, they are advocating against open public access to the spectacular Class IV Ausable Chasm. AW staff will have to challenge their proposal to federal regulators and advocate for public access to this very special place. Paddlers traveling through upstate New York or Vermont will not want to miss a trip down this river, which runs virtually all summer and fall, and flows through a spectacular vertical walled canyon peppered with Class III and IV slides, drops, and rapids. |
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While we are very proud of the accomplishments that American Whitewater’s volunteers and staff have made recently and in the past we know that we can’t just be along for the ride. We are excited with our recent successes but we know that the gains we work so
Your support of our efforts is needed today!
Visit www.kokatat.com |
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